The NCAA records collegiate football fan attendance for the 615 schools in Division I, II and III of 47, 909,313 for 2007. Don't let that number throw you - people were counted more than once if they went to more than one game.

Over at the University of Florida, the Gator football fans, alumni, students and staff helped set the record with nearly .7 million people traveling to Gainesville, Florida for the home games - many did not have tickets - they just journey to UF to say "Go Gators" or "Chomp 'Em" and to be a part of the Florida football tailgate scene. For every fan cheering the football at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (aka "The Swamp") , there are 2 more outside watching on portable televisions and doing the same. Florida currently holds the #1 Ranking in the Princeton Poll for "Students Pack the Stadium".

Under the charismatic leadership of Coaches Urban Meyer and Billy Donovan, with Albert & Alberta presiding over all, the Florida Gators are a force to be reckoned with. In 2006-2007 Florida's football and basketball teams held simultaneous National Championships - a feat never before accomplished.

As a perennial SEC powerhouse, Florida football is the epitome of fan power for football, basketball, baseball plus 22 other contemporary Gator sports teams. The Florida fans are famous for their willingness to travel great distances to watch their teams compete. For these Gator fans, getting there is just the beginning.

When it comes to collegiate travel, we have the finest Florida "Gator" luggage and travel gear available anywhere. Fully licensed, made by Victorinox® Swiss Army brands, each piece of this remarkable luggage is engineered to exacting Swiss Army standards, and comes with the traditional "Gator Head" logo embroidered on the front of each item. Every item in our entire program is available in black or in bright blue with black trim. The Swiss Army lifetime "Carry with Confidence" guarantee is a significant value-added addition: Our UF luggage will outperform and outlast whatever you're now using for travel or business. In the long run, this Florida luggage and business gear will save you money every time you don't have to replace it.

As a loyal Gator fan you need this luggage to proudly show your support. Do you need a nice gift for a college undergrad? Are Florida gifts always on your list of things to get? Then consider our collection of Gator tote bags, wheeled bags, backpacks, attaches and more!



With traditions dating back to 1851 and sports rivalries such as the Florida-Georgia Game in Jacksonville (aka "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party) the Florida Gators deserve a luggage line worthy of the teams and the fans. At CollegeLuggage.com we are happy to make it happen.




Don't forget a
Florida Gators
Chillin' Bowl
for Game Day Tailgating...
or whatever!

CollegiateLuggage.com - Where facts, opinions and adverbs share equal time.

Our Swiss Army collegiate luggage program is just over 2 years old as of my writing this blog entry. The first three schools to join our program in February of 2006 were Georgia, Georgia Tech and Florida. In a wonderful get-acquainted gesture, we were invited by Florida's Alumni Association to join them in Atlanta in March of that year for the SEC Tournament Game Day "Gator Gathering" to display all of our blue Gator-logo Swiss Army luggage products for the fans to see.

With headquarters in Sandy Springs (a northern suburb of Atlanta) most of my prior experiences with the Gator Nation before adding them to our program were limited. But the invitation was irresistible and we went. And it was at this pre-game celebration that their fans introduced me to "The Chomp".

HOW TO CHOMP
For those not familiar with "The Gator Chomp", it is a sign of support and recognition shown by Gator fans everywhere to encourage their teams. No special equipment is required. First, extend both arms directly in front of you, at shoulder height with palms facing. Then, open both arms wide and quickly bring them back together so the palms clap. You have successfully "chomped".

I was quite taken with this gesture. And from that day forward, when I would complete an e-mail message to any of the Florida Alumni office folks or their Gator Clubs or to my Gator friends (including but not limited to my company's bookkeeper Peggy) I would sign off with: "Chompingly Yours". Apparently, nobody could remember an instance when the word "chomp" had been used as an adverb because it immediately generated lots of keen interest and positive feedback.

Being the generous fellow that I am, I released the newly-coined expression for general use to my Gator friends and business associates and bade them good fortune. Now that you've read this article, you too are hereby granted full, free and complete permission to use "chompingly" as an adverb any old time it suits you. Who am I to deny the Gator Nation their chompness?